Dunne - "I want my title back"‏

Despite returning to winning ways against Felix Machado in Castlebar in April Bernard Dunne admits there’s something missing at the moment – his European title belt.

The Dubliner is back in action in his native city on July 12th when he meets Argentina’s Damian Marchiano in the Hunky Dorys Fight Night headline bout at the National Stadium.

Dunne is hopeful that an impressive win over Marchiano will take him a step closer to a fight with the man who now holds his old European Super Bantamweight title belt – England’s Rendall Munroe.

“I want my old title back,” said Dunne before adding, “I hear Munroe's not all that keen on giving me an opportunity so we might have to just try and force his hand by waiting for the EBU to make me his mandatory challenger.”

Before that though Dunne has to deal with the challenge posed by Marchiano at the National Stadium. The Neilstown native admits he’s been impressed by what he’s seen of his South American foe. “I’ve watched a DVD of him and he’s a very aggressive fighter. He likes to press the action and is constantly on the front foot. He likes to drag the other guy into his kind of fight.”

The 28-year-old Argentinean has a record of 15 wins, 4 losses and a draw and Dunne says a closer look at his record reveals his quality. “He’s mixed in very good company and there’s no shame in losing to the guys he has lost to.

“Abner Mares is very highly rated and one of the big up and coming stars in the U.S. Last time out he lost to Silence Mabuza for the IBO title but for me Mabuza is probably the best bantamweight in the world right now and certainly the best puncher in that weight division.”

Dunne and trainer Harry Hawkins are currently putting the finishing touches to preparations for the fight after a two month training camp in Belfast. The Dubliner insists he’s happy to remain at super bantamweight despite this fight being agreed at a catch weight of 2 pounds above the 8 stone 10 pounds super bantamweight limit.

“I suppose there will always be options at featherweight but super bantamweight is where I’m most comfortable. This fight is a non title fight so it’s been made at a catch weight but super bantam is where I see my future. At the moment I’m just buzzing to be back fighting regularly again and I’m really looking forward to getting backto the National Stadium and putting in a good performance.”

The undercard features a pair of Irish title fights as Jim Rock returns in a historic bid to become a four weight Irish Champion against Jonjo Finnegan while Cavan’s Andrew Murray bids for his second Irish title against current Lightweight champ Peter McDonagh.

The card also features Dubliners Oisin Fagan, Ian Tims and Eugene Heagney and the anticipated return of big punching Belfastman Darren Corbett.

Tickets for the Hunky Dorys Fight Night priced from €50 are available from Ticketmaster.ie and all usual outlets.

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Hunky Dorys Fight Night: Dunne set for battle on Western front‏

Hunky Dorys Fight Night: Dunne set for battle on Western front

Bernard Dunne is itching to get his hands on former World Champion Felix Machado. The Dubliner’s clash with Machado headlines this Saturday’s Hunky Dorys Fight Night at the Breaffy House Resort in Castlebar, Co. Mayo and Dunne will be out to put last August’s defeat to Kiko Martinez well and truly behind him.

“I’m in great form and my training camp has gone really well,” said Dunne. “I’m just very excited about the fight and looking forward to putting on a good performance.” Dunne however has been handed a tough task as he bids to return to winning ways against “El Macho” Machado. The 35-year-old Venezuelan was IBF Super Flyweight Champion from 2000 – 2003 and has a wealth of world title experience having campaigned in no less than 8 world title fights at both super flyweight and bantamweight.

Machado was promoted throughout that time by Don King and scored notable scalps over fellow world champions such as Martin Castillo, Mauricio Pastrana and Julio Gamboa during his 3 year title reign. Having fought in the U.S., Thailand, Panama, Argentina, Nicaragua and his native Venezuela coming to Ireland is unlikely to concern the laid back Machado.

Dunne is looking forward to pitting his skills against an opponent of the quality of Machado. “He’s a serious operator and a class act, you don’t win world titles unless you’re a very good fighter. I’ve seen a few of his fights and he’s a tall, rangy southpaw but I’ve fought southpaws before so that shouldn’t be a problem.”

Reflecting back on the loss of his European title to Martinez last August Dunne said, “I was disappointed for myself and disappointed for the fans. People pay good money to see a fight and they didn’t get much action that night but hopefully I can make it up this weekend.

Saturday’s Hunky Dorys Fight night at the Breaffy House Resort in Castlebar will give Mayo fight fans a chance to sample the excitement of professional boxing and in particular the atmosphere of a Bernard Dunne fight.

“Brian has had the idea of bringing the show on the road for quite a while now,” said Dunne. “It’s something new so hopefully the atmosphere that the fights used to generate at the Stadium and The Point will travel to Mayo.”

Another international 10 rounder on the card will feature Andrew Murray. The undefeated Cavan man has racked up 11 straight wins in the pro ranks and is also the reigning Irish Light Welterweight champion. He's been busy of late racking up two stoppage wins in the last 3 weeks and he'll aim to take a step up in class this weekend.

There will be plenty of local interest on the card to with Castlebar’s very own Keith Cresham making his pro debut and Ballinrobe’s Michael Sweeney looking to extend his unbeaten record. London based Galway native John O’Donnell also features.

Also in action is undefeated unbeaten Cuban heavyweight and former World Junior Amateur champion Mike “El Rebellio” Perez. Also making his debut on the card is hard hitting Limerick man Jamie Power while Polish fight fans are also catered for with Grzegorz Proksa in action against Venezuelan dangerman Jairo Alvarez.

Proksa is considered to be the best prospect to emerge from Poland in decades and has already racked up 13 straight wins.

The Hunky Dorys Fight Night will be broadcast live from the Breaffy House Resort on RTÉ TWO this Saturday night with coverage starting from 9pm.